Kensington Swan's view on aspects of the construction industry

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Monthly Archives: June 2016

Prior to the referendum, law firm Eversheds put together a write up on the potential implications of a Brexit for the UK construction industry. We now know that the ‘Leave’ camp has prevailed. Click here: ‘Brexit and the implications for UK construction‘ for Evershed’s article, which details the mechanics and possible outcomes of the Brexit for the…

How long does it take to install a tunnel? Three days, according to Dutch construction company Heijmans. The incredible time-lapse footage of the project has been viewed by millions and shows around-the-clock work through rain and shine (and a storm) over a weekend in the Netherlands. Perhaps Donald Trump has found the contractors he needs…

Although maybe not as glamorous as Robert Downey Jnr’s comeback, or as dramatic as [spoiler alert] Jon Snow’s, JFP (NZ) International Limited’s recent reinstatement to the companies register is still exciting for those with more niche interests. In 2011, JFP, an offshore oil company, was voluntarily liquidated to facilitate its removal from New Zealand’s company register.…

The long running Fencegate saga appears to be nearing a conclusion with the Aitchisons (those whose view had been blocked by the structure) being awarded $72,500 in costs. In making this ruling Environment Court Judge Dwyer held that the action of the Walmsleys in erecting the structure and the presence of the structure were offensive…

Napoleon Bonaparte once mused that ‘from the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step,’ and it appears there is some truth to this comment with regard to a recent construction project on his old prison, St Helena. Napoleon was exiled to the small volcanic island in the hopes that he would be too isolated…

On 1 July 2013 the electrical work certification regime underwent significant changes. All electrical work is either prescribed electrical work (‘PEW’) or non-PEW. All PEW is divided into low-risk, general and high-risk work. General and high-risk PEW cannot be treated as complete until a certified electrician issues a Certificate of Compliance (‘CoC’). One of the…

Construction is now underway on the Victoria Street Development in Wellington. The collaboration between Wellington City Council and developer Luigi Muollo, director of Cook Strait Properties seeks to create a “desirable destination” out of the Victoria Street, Lombard Lane, and Denton Park area of Wellington CBD. The existing buildings on this site are currently mid-demolition.…

Recently we blogged about a cyber security threat targeting the construction industry in New Zealand. A construction company in Dallas also suffered a cyber security breach this month when hackers commandeered their signage along a major interstate highway. Electronic signage warning of nearby construction work was replaced with message including “Work is canceled. Go back home.”…

The new Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act has created a new framework for managing earthquake prone buildings (EPBs). The key difference is that the system for the strengthening of EPBs now prioritises particular geographic areas, categorising NZ into low, medium and high risk. National timeframes for strengthening EPBs are set relative to the location and…

We often come across the sentiment that ‘on demand’ bonds provide an absolute entitlement to security, no questions asked. It is becoming clearer and clearer that this is no longer the case. Occasionally, a Beneficiary will attempt to place a call on the bond even though the Contractor is not strictly in default of the…